Learn about Exploratory Laparotomy Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Exploratory Laparotomy and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Exploratory Laparotomy

An exploratory laparotomy is a major surgical procedure performed by a surgical gastroenterologist to directly examine the abdominal organs and diagnose or treat conditions that cannot be identified through non-invasive tests. It involves making a single, large incision in the abdomen to gain full access to the abdominal cavity. This procedure is crucial for investigating unexplained abdominal pain, internal bleeding, trauma, suspected tumors, or infections. While diagnostic in nature, it often allows the surgeon to immediately address the problem found, such as removing a tumor, repairing a perforation, or controlling bleeding. It is considered when imaging studies like CT scans or ultrasounds are inconclusive.

Key Highlights

    Provides a definitive diagnosis for complex abdominal conditions when other tests fail.Allows for immediate therapeutic intervention during the same procedure.Enables direct visualization and manual examination of all abdominal organs.Can be a life-saving procedure in cases of trauma, internal bleeding, or acute abdominal emergencies.Performed by specialized surgical gastroenterologists with expertise in abdominal anatomy.

Who is this surgery for?

  • Unexplained, severe abdominal pain with signs of peritonitis (inflammation of the abdominal lining).
  • Diagnosis of abdominal trauma (e.g., from an accident) with suspected internal injury or bleeding.
  • Suspected intra-abdominal cancer or tumor where a biopsy or removal is needed.
  • Acute abdominal emergencies like a perforated ulcer, bowel obstruction, or ruptured appendix.
  • Unexplained internal bleeding within the abdominal cavity.
  • Evaluation of inflammatory conditions like Crohn's disease or diverticulitis when complications are suspected.
  • To stage abdominal cancers and determine the extent of disease spread.

How to prepare

  • Complete medical history review and physical examination by the surgeon and anesthesiologist.
  • Pre-operative blood tests, imaging (CT scan, ultrasound), and possibly an ECG.
  • Fasting for 8-12 hours before surgery (nothing to eat or drink).
  • Discussion and signing of informed consent forms after understanding the risks and benefits.
  • Adjustment or temporary stoppage of certain medications like blood thinners as advised.
  • Bowel preparation (enema or laxatives) may be required in some cases.
  • Arranging for post-operative support and hospital stay.

Risks & possible complications

  • General anesthesia risks, including allergic reactions or breathing problems.
  • Infection at the incision site or within the abdominal cavity (peritonitis).
  • Bleeding during or after the procedure, which may require a blood transfusion.
  • Formation of scar tissue (adhesions) that can cause future bowel obstruction.
  • Damage to nearby organs like the intestines, bladder, or blood vessels.
  • Blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis) that can travel to the lungs.
  • Incisional hernia at the site of the surgical wound.
  • Post-operative pain and discomfort requiring medication.

Recovery & hospital stay

  • Initial recovery in a hospital room with monitoring of vital signs and pain management.
  • Gradual introduction of liquids and then solid foods as bowel function returns.
  • Incision care instructions to keep the wound clean and dry, watching for signs of infection.
  • Pain will be managed with medications; deep breathing exercises are encouraged to prevent lung complications.
  • Limited physical activity initially; no heavy lifting for 6-8 weeks.
  • Follow-up appointment with the surgeon to remove stitches/staples and assess healing.
  • A gradual return to normal activities over several weeks, guided by the surgeon's advice.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 5-10 days
  • checked Expected recovery time: 4-6 weeks

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are considering exploratory laparotomy in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.

Procedure cost in other countries

Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for exploratory laparotomy compare across other countries where we have data.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India INR 80 Thousand – 250 Thousand 5-10 days ~ 4-6 weeks Know More
Turkey TRY 280 Thousand – 875 Thousand 5-10 days ~ 4-6 weeks Know More

Top hospitals for Exploratory Laparotomy in India

These partner hospitals in India have dedicated surgical gastroenterology teams and experience managing patients undergoing exploratory laparotomy.

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10171+ Rating

Miot Hospital Chennai

  • IconChennai, India
  • Icon250 Doctors
PATIENT REVIEW

Reyansh Chopra, a 28-year-old software engineer,...

Reyansh Chopra, a 28-year-old software engineer, had always been active and healthy. For six months, he experienced worsening, cramping abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, and intermittent fevers. Despite multiple rounds of antibiotics for suspected infections and inconclusive CT scans, his symptoms persisted, leaving him exhausted and anxious. His surgical gastroenterologist, Dr. Mehta, recommended an exploratory laparotomy as a definitive diagnostic step, concerned about a possible inflammatory bowel condition like Crohn's disease hiding in the small intestine. The morning of the surgery was filled with fear of the unknown. Post-procedure, Reyansh awoke to learn they had found and resected a strictured segment of his ileum, confirming Crohn's. The recovery in the hospital was painful, but the clarity was a relief. Over the following weeks, with a confirmed diagnosis, he started targeted biologic therapy. Emotionally, he transitioned from the frustration of being a medical mystery to feeling empowered with a treatment plan, though he grappled with accepting a chronic condition.

Surgical Gastroenterologists for Exploratory Laparotomy

Explore experienced surgical gastroenterologists who regularly perform exploratory laparotomy and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.

Dr. Surendran R
  • 35 Years Experience
  • Surgical Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Tamil, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Hemanth Kumar K
  • 10 Years Experience
  • Surgical Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Alister Victor
  • 8 Years Experience
  • Surgical Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 750
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Rajasekar A
  • 33 Years Experience
  • Surgical Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Salem, Salem

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Shashidhara Gosikere Matta G
  • 19 Years Experience
  • Surgical Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Sanjeev Rohatgi
  • 17 Years Experience
  • Surgical Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 450
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Whitefield, Bangalore

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Dr. Nagaraj Palankar
  • 16 Years Experience
  • Surgical Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore

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Dr. Jasti BK Surendra
  • 25 Years Experience
  • Surgical Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada

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Dr. Ramya
  • 11 Years Experience
  • Surgical Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 850
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Vijayawada, vijayawada

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Dr. Raghavendra N
  • 16 Years Experience
  • Surgical Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 900
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore

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Dr. Maruthesh Chikkappa
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Surgical Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 700
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, Bangalore

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Dr. Sathish Kumar
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Surgical Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore

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Dr. Kasthuri T S
  • 12 Years Experience
  • Surgical Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 500
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore

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Dr. BS Ramakrishna
  • 30 Years Experience
  • Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi, Tamil
Consult Charge ₹ 500

MediFyr Plus SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. P Anbalagan
  • 25 Years Experience
  • Surgical Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi, Tamil
Consult Charge ₹ 500

MediFyr Plus SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Vivekanandan Shanmugam
  • 29 Years Experience
  • Surgical Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi, Tamil
Consult Charge ₹ 500

MediFyr Plus SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai

OPD-desk synced • Updated
Dr. Govind Nandakumar
  • 18 Years Experience
  • Surgical Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 980
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Bangalore

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Dr. SASI KANTH UDDAGIRI
  • 22 Years Experience
  • Surgical Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, vijayawada

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Dr. C. MANSOOR AHMED
  • 4 Years Experience
  • Surgical Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Hyderabad

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Dr. Adithya V Naragund
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Surgical Gastroenterologist
Speaks: English, Kannada, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1000
Available Today
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Cytecare Hospital, Bangalore

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